Obituary of Helen Gertrude Wamboldt

Helen Gertrude (Oickle, Johnson) Wamboldt 82. Sometimes the decisions of the Lord are difficult to comprehend, and when he called her back home so quickly after the passing of her husband the day before, we knew that she was needed there. Helen was the daughter Reginald S. and Jessie M. (Whynot) Johnson of Liverpool. She moved to Bridgewater as a teen, and married Norman Oickle who preceded her in 1958. She was left with two boys to raise and as was always her way, family ties brought everyone close together. In 1964 she married Ivan Wamboldt, and together they began to embark on a life together. For a short time they resided in Rhodes Corner, and relocated to New Glasgow where they began a life rich in church and community. While in New Glasgow, she managed a daycare/nursery school, was active in the Christian Reformed Church. Wherever she lived, she shared her gift of music and voice, delighting in being a part of choirs. Upon return to Bridgewater, and with Ivan’s retirement, they began travelling to various parts of the world. A special part of those trips was the time they spent in in the Holy Land, visiting places she had only read about in books, but now could see first hand. A boat ride on the Sea of Galilee gave her many memories for years. Showing her great inner strength, during a trip to Spain, and not wanting anyone to ‘put themselves out’, she attended to Ivan during his hospitalization in Malaga. Through her resourceful nature and drawing on the strength she had, she was able to get them safely back to Canada. Helen loved music, and was happy singing in choirs or around the house. Music played a big part in her life, and this was a source of great pleasure whether it was listening to, or taking part. Hearing someone at the piano gave her comfort and solace. She could pick up a note, and sing a musical piece with grace. Forever a woman of grace and dignity, she expected nothing less in those around her. She was preceded by her husband Ivan on February 22, 2014 and a son Philip A. Wamboldt in 2005. She is survived by sons, Peter (Virginia) Oickle, Bridgewater; David (Robin) Oickle, Ottawa; Wamboldt granddaughter Marie Claire Wamboldt; daughter in law, Carol Slack Wamboldt , Pleasantville; Oickle grandchildren: Andrew, Gander, NL; Christianna, Dartmouth; Jonathan, Bridgewater; Eric, Toronto; Daniel, Montreal; Sarah, Toronto; and great grandchildren, Adwyn and Camron. She is survived by sisters, Marion Amirault, Liverpool; Janet MacNutt, Liverpool; Catherine Edmonds (Ted), Bridgewater; and brother C.D. “Sonny” Johnson (Gloria), Kingston. She is also survived by nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Bridgewater, 10 a.m., Friday, February 28, conducted by the Rev. Paul Jensen. Internment will be at St. Matthew’s Cemetery, Upper LaHave. Family flowers only; memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Accessibility Fund or a charity of your choice.